Many houses and older apartment complexes are fairly relaxed when it comes to leases; the neighbors in these complexes seem to be more relaxed, too. However, if you find yourself living in a recently built complex, your rental company is going to be a bit tougher on the rules.

When noise complaints and parties come up during the lease discussion, it’s about the time everyone tunes out. They can’t be serious, right? Obviously we’re going to have parties. This is in University District! Who do they think we are with this no-party rule?

Well, they think you’re a tenant in the building they own, and they don’t want you to ruin it. Should you receive a noise complaint — and there’s often a neighbor waiting to call one in — you’ll be hearing from your property manager.

Rental companies don’t like to receive noise complaints or visits from police very much and will threaten to evict (or actually evict) you because of it. Upon your first eviction notice, it will mention how you violated the lease and have “x” amount of time to vacate unless you follow “y” steps. The steps usually involve writing a letter of apology and paying a fee. Once this happens, you’re out of strikes and will be evicted upon the next complaint or lease breakage.

Should you break the lease again, just talk smooth and hope it keeps you out of trouble.

Something else to look for when signing a lease are the actual start and end dates. If you know you’ll be gone for the summer or studying abroad for part of the year, try to find a lease that accommodates this. If you can’t, start looking for a subletter as soon as possible, so that you can avoid paying rent on a unit you’re not living in.